South West Africa People's Organisation

HC Deb 06 December 1985 vol 88 c384W

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has asked the South West Africa People's Organisation to make a declaration renouncing the use of violence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

The South West Africa People's Organisation is well aware that we condemn all acts of violence in Namibia, whether committeed by it, the South African security forces, or by others. My right hon. and learned Friend made our position on this absolutely clear when he met Mr. Sam Nujoma, President of SWAPO, earlier this year.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis he decided to hold meetings in London with Sam Nujoma, President of the South West Africa People's Organisation.

Mr. Rifkind

We are willing to have contact with representatives of all the political parties involved in the Namibia negotiations.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government recognise the South West Africa People's Organisation as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

We do not accept the United Nations General Assembly's recognition of the South West Africa People's Organisation as the "sole authentic" representative of the Namibian people; that can only be demonstrated in free and fair elections in Namibia under the United Nations plan.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government will support moves by the Namibian transitional Government to represent the views of Namibians in the United Nations on the same basis as the South West Africa People's Organisation.

Mr. Rifkind

We do not recognise the so-called "Transitional Government of National Unity" in Namibia. We consider that only free and fair elections, as provided for in the United Nations plan, will determine who has the right to represent the views of Namibians.